Arnold Schwarzenegger is an ‘alpha male’ in its truest sense. The multitalented Austrian-born bodybuilder turned Hollywood icon, has long been hailed as the epitome of the alpha male archetype because of his persona and physicality. In a recent The Hollywood Reporter interview, the actor further proved why the deemed title is appropriate. The 75-year-old actor described how he deals with his emotions and feelings, especially at such an age with the time changing around him at a fast pace.
Schwarzenegger revealed the only way to deal with such stuff is to further embroil oneself into even more struggle and hardship so the lowly worries do not plague one’s mind. Although experts have time and again repeated how bottling up emotions and pushing through without addressing them can negatively affect one gravely, The Terminator actor says this is the only way that works for him.
Arnold Schwarzenegger goes skiing when he feels down
As Arnold Schwarzenegger returns to action with his new Netflix series FUBAR, the actor dove into what made him the man he is today in a chat with The Hollywood Reporter. The actor talked about the ways he copes when he feels down and lost. He believes talking about feelings does him no good, and thus one should immediately try to think of ways to make it better. The actor said,
“Everyone is talking about their feelings. That’s OK if that’s how you want to occupy yourself. How I feel is irrelevant. I don’t give a f**k how I feel. What I care about is: What can I do to make it better? Sometimes I get out of bed and feel sh*tty.”
His macho way of doing it is seeking further discomfort, according to the actor, it makes him stronger. He said,
“We all know the rules of life: Hardship and struggle makes you stronger. So I always look forward to discomfort. Why do I go skiing in Aspen for three days in high altitude that wipes you out? Because it’s tough to do, especially at my age.”
Schwarzenegger is always looking out for an adventure, especially when things do not seem right. He says having a daily mission helps him get out of bed and stay motivated at his age. The actor revealed,
“It’s also important to have a mission. If you have a mission, it’s so much fun. If you wake up [uncertain], “What am I going to do today?” That’s bad news. Because then the mind starts wandering and you never know where it will take you. If you’re thinking, “I have to do this, so let’s get going …” Then you accomplish things.”
Thus, the actor does not hesitate to take up new challenges when he gets the opportunity, defying all odds, as it clears his mind and also gives him a reason to stay motivated and focused.
Arnold Schwarzenegger had a tough childhood
Well, a lot of his ‘alpha male’ traits stem from his abusive father. Arnold Schwarzenegger and his brother both had a pretty rough childhood and were brutally abused by their father, thus many of his habits now are the direct result of the trauma. His ill-fated brother who was comparatively “more fragile” than him ended up dying after leading a difficult life. His death greatly affected the Comando actor and fueled him to get stronger every day to avoid the probable future his brother suffered. He shared,
“Well, look at my brother [Meinhard]. We were opposites. He was more fragile. He got the same treatment and became an alcoholic and died drunk driving. What tore him down built me up. It goes back to Nietzsche: What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger — and he got killed. “
All his childhood trauma compelled him to go off on his own and make something of himself. Therefore he decides to look on the bright side every day he wakes up, as he is done dwelling on the past. His past has ruined a lot for him and thus, now that he has control, he does not allow it to haunt him anymore. He is therefore grateful for everything that he has and does not regret anything.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
